Neil Lennon ‘very sorry’ after Bolton investigation

Bolton assistant manager Steve Walford said Neil Lennon is “very sorry” after Wanderers cleared him to stay on as manager following an internal investigation.
Bolton Wanderers manager Neil Lennon on the bench with his assistant Steve Walford (left). Picture: PABolton Wanderers manager Neil Lennon on the bench with his assistant Steve Walford (left). Picture: PA
Bolton Wanderers manager Neil Lennon on the bench with his assistant Steve Walford (left). Picture: PA

The Sky Bet Championship club announced on Tuesday that the Northern Irishman would remain in his post after they looked into allegations made about Lennon’s private life in a Sunday newspaper.

Walford faced the media on Wednesday and revealed Lennon had addressed the matter with his squad and was hoping to move on from it ahead of the bottom-of-the-table clash with Rotherham on Boxing Day.

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Bolton stick with Neil Lennon after investigation

“The situation with the manager now has been cleared up regarding the staff and the players; he’s spoken to them and they’re all behind him,” Walford said.

“He’s obviously down and very sorry for his actions. I’ve known Neil a long time and he’ll bounce back, no danger. The players and the club are all behind him now. As far as I’m concerned, I think the matter’s closed.”

Bolton are without a win in 16 games and still face an uncertain future off the field with owner Eddie Davies looking to sell up.

Having not received their wages for November, their players are due to be paid next week - with a percentage of that coming from the PFA - while last month HM Revenue & Customs served them a winding-up petition over an unpaid tax bill.

Lennon has been unable to turn around results on the pitch and Walford, who coached him at Leicester and Celtic, believes he is now focused on trying to prevent their slide into League One.

“The club has had an internal inquiry and as far as everything is concerned it’s finished; that matter is dealt with and done,” Walford added.

“It’s an unwanted distraction for the manager - I think he realises that it doesn’t look great for him.

“He’s put it behind him and he’s looking forward now for the rest of the season to keep this club in this division.”